Cunard’s New Year’s Eve sailing in the Caribbean on board Queen Mary 2 is to skip its stop in New York due to the need for the ship to draft in extra staff for its return voyage to the UK.
Queen Mary 2 is currently on a 28-night itinerary which left Southampton on December 13, 2021, and due to arrive back in the south coast port on January 10, 2022.
It had been due to stop in New York on January 3, but is now due to remain in Barbados in order to bring in additional staff for the sailing.
The line confirmed all guests will be able to stay on board the ship for New Year’s Eve and that flight arrangements from Barbados will be made for guests due to disembark in New York.
All guests will be given a Future Cruise Credit worth 125% of their cruise fare based on the number of nights they sailed on the voyage from December 22 onwards. They can opt to receive a cash refund of 100% of the value on the same pro rata basis.
In a statement, Cunard said: “As a precautionary measure Queen Mary 2 will take on additional manning in essential roles in Barbados prior to the sail back to the UK. Given the current international travel situation the ship will remain in Barbados until January 2.
“The extended stay means that unfortunately the ship will be unable to call in New York on January 3 if it is to maintain the arrival back in Southampton on January 10, 2022.”
A letter sent to passengers said a “resource strain” owing to Covid-19 was behind the move and that Cunard was bidding to ensure the onward journey is “as smooth and easy as possible”.